Trump and Macron Embrace Optimism for Ukraine’s Future After Key Talks – Insights from DW (February 25, 2025)

On Monday, President Donald Trump expressed optimism that the war in Ukraine may be coming to an end. He shared this thought during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, marking three years since Russia’s invasion.

Macron noted that there has been “substantial progress” in discussions about resolving the conflict. However, he emphasized that any agreement must not result in Ukraine’s surrender.

During their talks, Trump mentioned that conversations with UK officials about deploying peacekeeping troops were underway. He felt that Russian President Vladimir Putin would accept such a plan, stating, “If we do this deal, he’s not looking for more war.”

But Putin’s recent comments suggest he might not share the same urgency. He mentioned that discussions about ending the war are ongoing but haven’t reached a conclusion.

Trump also indicated hope for a quick resolution, predicting the conflict could end in a few weeks. He suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might soon visit Washington to discuss a deal allowing the U.S. access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals essential for technology.

Macron considered the meeting a turning point, expressing a shared desire for peace, while also reminding that peace should not come at Ukraine’s expense. Early in the war, Macron had maintained communication with Putin but grew frustrated with Russia’s violent actions in Ukraine.

Now, he believes Trump’s re-engagement with Putin might pave the way for progress towards peace.

However, the situation reflects a growing divide. At the recent UN General Assembly, the U.S. broke ranks with European allies by resisting resolutions condemning Russia’s invasion. This shift in U.S. policy has raised concerns about a weakening commitment to Ukraine.

As the war enters its fourth year, the conflict remains intense. European leaders gathered in Kyiv to show support for Ukraine, with some warning that the actions of autocratic nations shape the future of international relations.

In response to the ongoing situation, EU foreign ministers have approved new sanctions targeting Russia’s shipping operations and military logistics. The UK has also announced sanctions on various Russian businesses and individuals.

With the landscape around Ukraine’s conflict shifting, leaders emphasize that continued support for Ukraine is crucial. There is a collective call for strong measures to ensure that Ukraine remains resilient as peace discussions continue.

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